Gonadotrophins are hormones that include LH and FSH, which are produced by the pituitary gland. LH and FSH levels are controlled by GnRH from the hypothalamus. FSH stimulates growth of ovarian follicles and testosterone production, while LH stimulates estrogen and progesterone production. Abnormalities in FSH and LH secretion can indicate hypothalamic, pituitary, or gonadal issues and impact fertility.

1. GONADOTROPHINS
-Anakha P

2. • They are LH (Luteinizing hormone) and FSH (Follicle
stimulating hormone) from pituitary.
• The fundamental change during puberty is a
reduction in hypothalamic inhibition of LHRH release.

3. • The placenta also produces human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG). FSH and LH are secreted under
the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH).
• Puberty does not set in until the pulsatile secretion of
LHRH is started by hypothalamus.

4. • FSH stimulates growth of ovarian follicles in females
and spermatogenesis (Sertoli cells) in males.
• Testosterone in males (secreted by Leydig interstitial
cells) and progesterone in females (secreted by
corpus luteum), are increased under the influence of
LH.
• The FSH secretion rises during the follicular phase of
the menstrual cycle, reaches a peak by the 14th day
and starts falling when ovulation occurs.

5. • Ovulation occurs as a result of positive feedback effect
of estrogen producing the pre-ovulatory LH surge.
• The level of FSH and LH falls during the post-ovulatory
phase, unless fertilization and implantation occur.
• The gonadotropin production is under the feedback
control by the sex hormones.

6. • High levels of FSH and LH are seen in post-menopausal
women due to lack of this feedback.
• Abnormalities in gonadotropin secretion are listed as
follows.

8. • FSH is a hormone found in humans and other
animals.
• It is synthesized and secreted by gonadotropes of the
anterior pituitary gland. FSH regulates the
development, growth, pubertal maturation, and
reproductive processes of the body.

9. • FSH levels are normally low during childhood and, in
females, high after menopause.
• High FSH levels are an indication of subfertility and /
or infertility.
• Diminished secretion of FSH can result in
hypogonadism. This condition is typically manifested
in males as failure in production of normal numbers
of sperm. In females, cessation of reproductive cycles
is commonly observed.

10. • Serum level of FSH is raised in
• primary gonadal failure,
• ovarian or testicular agenesis,
• castration,
• Klinefelter’s syndrome,
• alcoholism,
• menopause,
• orchitis and
• gonadotropin secreting pituitary tumors.

11. • Serum level of FSH is decreased in
• anterior pituitary hypofunction,
• hypothalamic disorders,
• pregnancy,
• anorexia nervosa,
• polycystic ovary disease,
• hemochromatosis,
• sickle cell anemia, and
• hyperprolactinemia.

12. • In hypogonadism, if the levels of FSH and LH are
lower than normal for the patient’s age, it suggests
hypothalamic or pituitary disease and if more than
normal, indicates gonadal problem.

13. • Serum level of LH is raised in primary gonadal
dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome,
postmenopausal women and in pituitary adenoma.
Serum level of LH is decreased in pituitary
hypothalamic impairment, Kallmann’s syndrome (
gonadotropin deficiency associated with anosmia or
hyposmia), anorexia nervosa and severe illness.

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